Farm animal neglect
Westport, NY (US)Incident Date: Sunday, Feb 1, 2009
County: Essex
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Bradley A. McQueen
Essex County sheriff's deputies reportedly charged Bradley A. McQueen, 23, of 1558 County Route 10 with misdemeanor charges in connection with farm animals that he owns.
Sheriff's Deputy Robert Rice said his investigation, which is continuing, found that five horses, 12 pigs and four goats were left without any food or water for several days.
Neighbors reported not seeing any tracks in the snow for an estimated three to five days and called the Adirondack Veterinary Hospital in Westport to express concern.
Deputies worked with Dr. Diane Dodd from Adirondack Veterinary Hospital on the case.
Rice said that, physically, the animals are all still OK.
"That's why we chose not to seize them."
Dodd would not comment on the case Monday, but Rice said diagnoses of the horses varied in terms of body index. With 5 being considered peak condition, one horse measured a 1.5, two horses were a 2, and two horses measured 4.
"The main issue was they weren't giving the animals enough water," Rice said.
"He (McQueen) has been very cooperative throughout the process."
The small farm is on rented property, but McQueen owns the animals.
He has two roommates, but neither was implicated in the investigation.
McQueen is scheduled to appear before a judge in Lewis Town Court at 7 p.m. On February 5th. References |
